Some small European governments are heading to China for Covid-19 vaccines, while purchases from the European Union are being hampered and the production hiccups of Western vaccine manufacturers are hampering the continent’s fight against the pandemic.
The trend could increase China’s influence in the region, as it advocates presenting itself as a reliable ally in fighting the coronavirus that was first detected on its soil.
The European Union, which buys vaccines on behalf of the 27 member states, has authorized three photos developed in Germany, the US and the UK, but the bloc has slowed to sign contracts and authorize the photos, while manufacturers have struggled to deliver the doses. promise. The deficit was even worse in non-EU countries in Europe.
So far, mainly the small nations on the edge of the bloc have turned to Beijing for help. However, as voter frustrations increase, older members are now considering China’s two vaccines and one developed in Russia.
On 31 January, German Health Minister Jens Spahn called on the EU to approve the shooting by China’s Sinopharm group if it was found to be safe and effective. Then Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said the company should make its photos in his country.